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A tragic road accident in Rajasthan’s Phalodi district claimed at least 18 lives and left several others injured after a passenger bus rammed into a stationary trailer late Sunday night. The incident occurred on the Bharat Mala highway near Matoda, turning what was supposed to be a peaceful return journey into a nightmare.
According to officials, the bus was carrying a group of pilgrims from Jodhpur’s Sursagar area, who were returning home after visiting the Kapil Muni Ashram in Kolayat, Bikaner. Around midnight, the vehicle reportedly collided at high speed with a parked trailer that had been left on the roadside without adequate warning lights. The impact was so powerful that the front portion of the bus was completely crushed, trapping many passengers inside.
Locals and nearby truck drivers rushed to the scene immediately after hearing the sound of the collision. Rescue operations continued for several hours as emergency teams worked to pull victims out of the wreckage. The injured were quickly shifted to nearby hospitals in Phalodi and Jodhpur for treatment, where several remain in critical condition.
Eyewitnesses said poor visibility and possible driver fatigue may have contributed to the crash. Some also alleged that heavy vehicles often remain parked illegally along this stretch of the highway, making it dangerous for night-time commuters. Police have launched an investigation to determine whether negligence or mechanical failure played a role in the tragedy.
Rajasthan’s Chief Minister expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and directed district authorities to provide immediate assistance to the victims’ families. He also assured strict action if the parked trailer was found to have violated safety rules. State officials have announced compensation for the families of the deceased and the injured.
The horrific accident has once again highlighted the urgent need for stronger road safety enforcement across India’s highways. Experts have often warned that lack of proper lighting, unregulated vehicle parking, and driver exhaustion continue to be among the leading causes of fatal crashes.
As the families of the victims gathered outside hospitals in shock and sorrow, the scene at Phalodi served as yet another painful reminder that one moment of negligence can shatter countless lives.
